NFL wants Tags on bounty case

NFL wants Tags

NFL lawyers filed a motion in U.S. District Court in New Orleans on Friday, arguing that former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue should be allowed to hear appeals on the Saints’ bounty case next week.

In their motion, NFL lawyers quote defendant Jonathan Vilma's statement to ESPN in which he supported Tagliabue being appointed to the role, saying, "I think it’s a good first step for Paul to be the neutral arbitrator."

NFL lawyers wrote that, "Mr. Vilma was right that Commissioner Tagliabue was a good appointment.

"Commissioner Tagliabue has the experience necessary to assess whether the conduct the players engaged in was detrimental to the League and, if so, to assess the propriety of the discipline that Commissioner [Roger] Goodell imposed. It is difficult to think of anyone else more qualified."

The action comes after the players’ union and the four players suspended in the bounty case filed a motion asking that Tagliabue recuse himself from the case because of what they say is a conflict of interest. They want a neutral arbitrator appointed by the court. The hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, subject to any rulings.

Fletcher hopeful

Redskins LB London Fletcher (hamstring) walked off the practice field with a slight limp and some upbeat news: He doesn’t have a concussion, and his streak of never missing a game in more than 15 NFL seasons might remain intact.

The Redskins said Fletcher took part in the full workout, one day after undergoing some six hours of tests for what coach Mike Shanahan has called a "balance issue." The linebacker is listed as questionable with head and hamstring injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Steelers.

"I was encouraged," Fletcher said. "It felt good to get out there and run around ..."

Fletcher has never missed a game since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams in 1998, a remarkable run considering he has more tackles (1,865 including assists, according to STATS) than anyone else in the league during that span. His 231-game streak is the longest among active players, having moved one ahead of defensive back Ronde Barber when the Buccaneers had their bye week this month.

While the tests ruled out a concussion, more will be needed. Shanahan mentioned the inner ear as a possible source of the problem. "I’m not sure what it is — they’re going to keep on testing it," Shanahan said.

Briefs

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (sprained ankle) will miss Sunday’s game against the Rams in London. … Vikings CB Chris Cook (arm) was placed on injured reserve, though there is a slim chance that Minnesota’s best cover man will return this season. … LT Michael Roos’ (appendectomy) 119-game consecutive starts streak will come to an end as the Titans have ruled him out against the Colts. … Dolphins CB Richard Marshall (back) was ruled out against the Jets.